At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead media relations, create engaging content, and manage press activities for the council.
- Company: Join the vibrant London Borough of Waltham Forest, a hub of culture and creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community through innovative media strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 49056 - 52194 £ per year.
Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Salary: PO4 £49,056 - £52,194
Contract Type: Full-time/Permanent
Working hours per week: 36
Application Deadline: 10/06/2026
Proposed Interview Date(s): 18/06/2026
Reference: 2153
About Us:
Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a fantastic and exciting place to work. We are a highly ambitious borough. Driven by the innate creativity of our residents, we have developed new and innovative ways to build our communities. Our Council is relentlessly resident-focused, insight-led, digitally driven and commercially minded; a Council focused on meeting the needs of our existing and future residents.
London Borough of Waltham Forest is one of the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard employers. This accreditation is proof of our commitment to creating a healthy, fair and inclusive workplace. This includes fair pay and conditions, workplace well-being, skills and progression and diversity and recruitment.
The Council’s preference is for online application. However, if you have a disability and are unable to complete an online application, please email recruitment@walthamforest.gov.uk so we can arrange an alternative application method.
We are a Home Office–licensed sponsor; however, for this specific role we are not able to provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. To be considered, you must already hold a form of UK work authorisation that does not require.
About the role:
As Media Lead, you will deliver and co-ordinate the council’s day-to-day media relations, responding to media enquiries and proactively pitching stories to a broad range of local, regional, national and trade outlets, including in print, online and broadcast.
You will produce engaging and accurate content and advise senior officers and Members on the full range of media-related matters. You will contribute to crisis communications, public awareness campaigns and integrated communications strategies, while ensuring press activity reflects Waltham Forest’s priorities, values and voice.
You will ensure a good balance between timely, reactive interventions and planned, proactive coverage, particularly longer-lead packages and features, where the council’s narrative has greater likelihood of being carried unmediated and in full.
You will ensure key messages and positioning narratives are present throughout all of our media activities, and produce press releases, spokesperson briefings and factual/data briefs for journalists. You will also organise photoshoots and press events as required.
You will maintain and develop a strong network of media contacts, ensure monitoring and evaluation of key media moments, and produce copy of your own including for Waltham Forest News and Resident News.
Media Lead in Walthamstow employer: LBWF
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment that thrives on creativity and community engagement. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, diversity, and professional development, the Council fosters a culture where every team member can grow and contribute meaningfully. As a Good Work Standard employer, we prioritise fair pay, inclusive practices, and a supportive atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a positive impact in a dynamic borough.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Media Lead in Walthamstow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the media industry, especially those connected to local councils. Attend events or join online forums where you can chat with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best media work. Whether it’s press releases, articles, or campaigns, having tangible examples will make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Waltham Forest’s recent media activities. Understand their priorities and values so you can discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for the Media Lead role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow our process!
We think you need these skills to ace Media Lead in Walthamstow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Media Lead role. Highlight your media relations experience and any relevant campaigns you've worked on, as this will show us you're the right fit for our ambitious council.
Showcase Your Creativity:As a Media Lead, creativity is key! Use your application to demonstrate how you've approached media challenges in innovative ways. Share examples of engaging content you've produced or successful media strategies you've implemented to grab our attention.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity in applications. Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our goals at Waltham Forest.
Apply Online:Remember, we prefer online applications! It’s the easiest way for us to process your application. If you have any issues or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out via email. We’re here to help you through the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at LBWF
✨Know Your Media Landscape
Before the interview, get familiar with the media landscape relevant to the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Research local, regional, and national outlets that cover council news. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of where to pitch stories and how to engage effectively with different media.
✨Showcase Your Content Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your ability to produce engaging and accurate content. Bring along samples of press releases, articles, or campaigns you've worked on. This will give the interviewers a clear idea of your writing style and how you can contribute to their media relations.
✨Understand Crisis Communications
Be ready to discuss your approach to crisis communications. Think of a situation where you had to manage a media crisis and how you handled it. This shows that you can think on your feet and are prepared for the challenges that come with the role of Media Lead.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the council's priorities and values. During the interview, make sure to align your answers with these principles. Show that you understand their commitment to being resident-focused and insight-led, and explain how your experience can help further these goals.
